1998 Chevrolet Prizm Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.04/5 Average
42 Total Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 42.00
  • Very good mileage, reliability. However... - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    Ive owned a well used 98 Prizm for for over six years now and at 166K it still runs and does not give me headaches. The mileage is great, I can go almost a whole month without refilling the tank. Heater and AC are strong and quick to action. However it handles poorly, becomes shaky, and burns huge amounts of oil at high speeds, so avoid the interstate. May get water into engine if roads are wet enough to puddle. Interior is very cheap, with some parts snapping or peeling with age. Door handles WILL eventually bust. Steering wheel module and shifter unfortunately made of very soft materials that easily scratch & collect dirt or hand gunk. I have had to replace rear shocks, power steering.

  • My little Prizm - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    my Little prizm is great. Have never had any trouble with it beside that i had a little bit of arching in the main battery terminal. I bought it with about 140000 last year. This year i have just under 180000. The owner said that everything was original beside the Cads. It is just no in need of a throw out bearing for the transmission. Still a fun little car and cant wait to get it to 300000.

  • love my prism - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    I love my little prism. This was the first car I bought in 2002 with 59,000 miles on it. I have not had too many problems. Like most ppl on here i have replaced all my door handles inside and out, ac, the clear coat has chipped, and i have replaced some front end parts. Other than this my prism currently has 261,000! i keep thinking its almost done and it keeps me moving... never has she left me stranded and just when i think of getting a new one i think of all the fun i have had in her... havent been able to part yet... i would definitely recommend this car!

  • My Grandma gifted me her 98 Prizm - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    And its easily the best car Ive ever owned. It has just under 60,000 miles on it, and based on most of these reviews on here, Ive a long way to go before I experience any of the more serious (but routine) issues. Im looking forward to owning this car a very long time. And the gas mileage, MY GOD! Its phenomenal!

  • Great Little Car - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    I purchased my 98 Prizm LSI used in August of 1999. It was probably the best car purchase I ever made. It now has 102,000 miles on it and has never let me down. Ive replaced a couple of door handles and some front suspension parts due to wear, but nothing out of the ordinary. I replaced the headliner but the rest of the interior still looks great. Chevy/Toyota really got it right on this one. I plan to continue driving it for a long time.

  • Keeps going - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    We are approaching the 200,000 mile mark and this car has been very reliable at getting us around, even when the Denver winters hit. Our air conditioner just went out for the 2nd time (1st was under warranty), and weve had to replace several of the original parts as they just get old, but nothing unexpected with a car this age. I wish the clear coat on the paint had lasted longer as it doesnt look as nice anymore. The fabric on the seats has held up well, but the interior roof fabric has not. I also agree that the car handles have shown a bit of weakness, though weve only had to replace the driver side once. Power window fixed once, too.

  • You cannot kill my Prizm - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
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    This is a completely honest review of my 1998 Prizm. The bad: -boring look -less than expected 4 cylinder pep -awful body roll on corners -a lot of rattles on bumpy road at 170,000 -way to loud at any speed over 70 mph the good: -unbelievable reliability -quality parts-quality -comfortable ride at 65 mph -Superior gas mileage -not a bad size overall inside -easy dash layout my Prizm refuses to die. I bought it with 150,000 miles currently has 170,000. I have done nothing but change plugs and fluid, air filter. I Punch this car at every stop, it shifts smooth every time. Engine is not bad at all performance wise for its mileage. Dont be afraid to buy one with high miles! Commuters<----buy!

  • Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    Very reliable car. Only issues have been changing the oxygen sensor, but other than that it runs great and is fuel efficient.

  • Great car - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    I bought my 98 Prizm in 2005 for $4000. It had about 60,000 miles on it then. It now has 130,000 miles on it. It has been the best buy, the most reliable car. Interesting to read the other reviews about the door handles snapping off. Mine has done the same and I am unable to find the replacement part. The Chevy dealer is asking $200 for it. The A/C recently went out so I may consider selling as I live on Maui, although Im tempted to see how long I can keep it running! Just wanted to add my two cents about this car. I have loved it and it has been very good to me!

  • Great 1st Car - 1998 Chevrolet Prizm
    By -

    My little car has 160,000 miles & its going strong. A few things have gone awry such as I had to replace the starter shortly after I bought it (it had 105k miles when I got it in 2006), the front passenger door handle broke and so did the AC but its been a great first car. No engine problems at all. It does eat oil fast which is annoying to refill so often. I get anywhere from 31-34 mpg. Ive taken it on many long distance trips and its always a joy to drive.

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